2011 NFL Thread: The Lazarus Season - Part 7

[L.A.]

They lose by 3 instead of 10.

And if Alex Smith didn't throw that pick at the end of the half we would have made a fg and ties things up but oh well its loss we will learn from this and bounce back...

 

[L.A.]

With all due respect, remaining with a player 6-7 years in the hope that he'll somehow make a miraculous turnaround is ridiculous. Any other team would've given said player his walking papers.

Well that miracle has happened now with a 9-2 record! Any team except the packers would love to be in our position right now...with our remaining schedule, worse we can do is finish 13-3!!! That should give us a first round bye and home court in our first game. Making it to the NFC championship would not only be a successful season but put 49ers back to elite status where they should be

 

[Ness]

With all due respect, remaining with a player 6-7 years in the hope that he'll somehow make a miraculous turnaround is ridiculous. Any other team would've given said player his walking papers.

It wasn't the hope that he would turn around. This is why I said in a previous post no one really knows what they are are talking about. At least when it comes to San Francisco. Think about it. The 49ers had a new coach and a new coaching staff with the lockout. Free agency wasn't beginning and the 49ers best option was Alex Smith due to the circumstances. There were no other quarterbacks on the roster other than David Carr, who clearly wasn't in the plans for the future. They drafted a rookie, but he wasn't going to be able to adjust to a pro style offense coming from what he ran at Nevada so quickly. This was even more obvious in the preseason. It wasn't a thing of hoping Alex would get better. It was having no other choice. They brought him back on a one year deal because there was no one else around. What free agent was going to come in here and work miracles? Good quarterbacks never hit the free agent market. They tried to get Hasselbeck, but he ended up choosing the Titans instead.


By the way San Diego and Houston both let Warren Moon and Dan Fouts hang around for a while and they weren't good until their 6th and 7th seasons in the NFL. At least not consistently. I'm not using this as an excuse for keeping Alex, but I am saying that Alex has improved and this one game shouldn't be an indication of his career overall which has been an up and down rollarcoaster due to the numerous head coaching and offensive coordinator changes. For the first time in seven season's he's going to have some consistency with his coaches.

This also isn't a blurb trying to persuade the general public that Alex really is an elite quarterback or whatever, but before this game no one in this thread was saying about Alex what they are saying now. At least this season they weren't. Because he was playing well. And due to an offensive line's struggles we're going to hang him out to dry and say it was his fault/he's got to go after playing against an elite defense on a short week? Especially when he's played well this season? And what's worse, using the Andrew Luck card?

 

[Immortalfire]

Suh is a very well spoken fellow, but on Sportscenter this morning his BS explanation from the incident yesterday is very laughable.

 

[Matt]

Suh is a very well spoken fellow, but on Sportscenter this morning his BS explanation from the incident yesterday is very laughable.

He would do himself more favors by manning up, showing maturity and apologizing for what he did. If he keeps up the defiant attitude, the Hammer is going to slap five games on him.

Also, I love how Jim Schwartz is the big tough guy on the sidelines, screaming at the refs and the other team and his players and Jim Harbaugh but the second that Suh gets the team a penalty in a crucial situation and ejected, Schwartz is standing there ***** footing as Suh yells at him.

 

[Poeman]

Goodell is gonna lay the smackdown on Suh.

2 games minimum...I'd do 3

 

[enterthemadness]

Goodell is gonna lay the smackdown on Suh.

2 games minimum...I'd do 3

I'd go on NFL Network Live and say "Suh is suspended rest of season AND playoffs!" Then play that song "I like big butts and I cannot lie" and dance to it.

 

[Wheels]

I'd go on NFL Network Live and say "Suh is suspended rest of season AND playoffs!" Then play that song "I like big butts and I cannot lie" and dance to it.

Okay, I want to see that just for the last part lol.

Make it happen Goodell!

 

[SpideyInATree]

I'd go on NFL Network Live and say "Suh is suspended rest of season AND playoffs!" Then play that song "I like big butts and I cannot lie" and dance to it.

Now that's how an NFL Commish should operate! t:

 

[Immortalfire]

etm for new NFL commissioner!

 

[Matt]

A decision on Suh won't be made until next week when all games have been played, so look for the suspension to be issued on Tuesday or Wednesday.

That being said, Suh may still play against the Saints as the players may continue to play until the appeal is complete and I'm guessing he'll appeal.

I read a commentator today claim that Schwartz is just as responsible for this incident as Suh. It was kind of a valid point. The coach sets the culture of the team. The coach leads by example. What kind of example and culture are you setting when you are taunting players, cursing at refs and picking fights with other coaches after games? I like a loud and fiery coach as much as the next guy, but there is a difference between an intense coach (Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden, Jeff Fisher, etc) and this new brand of head coach that seems to have caught on in recent years. We'll call them the Rex Ryan-type, the ones who just lack any type of class or respect. You can't expect the players to live up to a standard that their coaches aren't living up to.

 

[chesslover]

Packers' LB Eric Walden has been arrested for domestic abuse.

 

[Donut]

Bring on more Green Bay Packers arresting. The more players in jail /c an't play due to their **** ups then the harder it will be

 

[Darthphere]

A decision on Suh won't be made until next week when all games have been played, so look for the suspension to be issued on Tuesday or Wednesday.

That being said, Suh may still play against the Saints as the players may continue to play until the appeal is complete and I'm guessing he'll appeal.

I read a commentator today claim that Schwartz is just as responsible for this incident as Suh. It was kind of a valid point. The coach sets the culture of the team. The coach leads by example. What kind of example and culture are you setting when you are taunting players, cursing at refs and picking fights with other coaches after games? I like a loud and fiery coach as much as the next guy, but there is a difference between an intense coach (Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden, Jeff Fisher, etc) and this new brand of head coach that seems to have caught on in recent years. We'll call them the Rex Ryan-type, the ones who just lack any type of class or respect. You can't expect the players to live up to a standard that their coaches aren't living up to.

Not to mention, who was the coordinator on the Titans when Haynesworth stomped someone?

 

[Immortalfire]

An SI blogger on Suh's "explanation"..

Ndamukong Suh offered a lengthy explanation after he was tossed Thursday against the Packers for what appeared to many to be his pushing one opponent and stomping on another -- which he said was a matter of being pulled down then "getting myself unbalanced." It's an amazingly flimsy, and perhaps delusional, effort to explain what was obvious to anyone with eyes.

 

[Hound55]

I'd rather he come out and say he got "white line fever" got caught up in the moment and did something stupid...

It'd be just as full of s*** as what he did say, but at least it's not as insulting to the public's intelligence.

Truth is, he's just a dirty prick.

 

[Immortalfire]

He pulled the same crap the other week with the "Get the cart!", in regard to Matt Ryan, who was thought to be injured after his foot was stepped on. Suh's logic in post game chat was that Matt's foot was "karma for all they've done".

WTF is that supposed to mean

 

[Hound55]

Well there is a certain amount of self-delusion necessary in order to play the role with maximum efficiency. In order to justify getting in there and really f***ing up guys as much as is legal (and occasionally moreso) you need the moral flexibility to blow up smaller things that are barely even peripherally related.

In Matt Ryan's case I think he was blowing up something minor that the Falcons defence supposedly did, and took that into the play against Ryan.

 

[Matt]

Suh has issued another "apology," this time on facebook. He still refuses to take responsibility for the stomp and only apologizes to his teammates, fans and the Lions organization.

“In the past few hours, I have had time to reflect on yesterday’s game and I want to sincerely apologize for letting my teammates down, the organization, and especially to my fans who look to me for positive inspiration.

“Playing professional sports is not a game. It is a profession with great responsibility, and where performance on and off the field should never be compromised. It requires a cal...m and determined demeanor, which cannot be derailed by the game, referee calls, fans or other players.

“I want to reiterate my commitment to working to become a better player, and professional—on and off the field. My reaction on Thursday was unacceptable. I made a mistake, and have learned from it. I hope to direct the focus back to the task at hand — by winning.”

 

[CConn]

A decision on Suh won't be made until next week when all games have been played, so look for the suspension to be issued on Tuesday or Wednesday.

That being said, Suh may still play against the Saints as the players may continue to play until the appeal is complete and I'm guessing he'll appeal.

I read a commentator today claim that Schwartz is just as responsible for this incident as Suh. It was kind of a valid point. The coach sets the culture of the team. The coach leads by example. What kind of example and culture are you setting when you are taunting players, cursing at refs and picking fights with other coaches after games? I like a loud and fiery coach as much as the next guy, but there is a difference between an intense coach (Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden, Jeff Fisher, etc) and this new brand of head coach that seems to have caught on in recent years. We'll call them the Rex Ryan-type, the ones who just lack any type of class or respect. You can't expect the players to live up to a standard that their coaches aren't living up to.

That's not exactly true.

As someone who manages people, I've tons of experiences where no matter what kind of culture you try to build among your team (and believe me, I always put a big emphasis on team building), sometimes people just do stupid **** that you can't help.

I mean, yeah, you set an example, you try to consistently send the right message, but at the same time, they're grown adults, and they're responsible for their own conduct. And sometimes people just do dumb things. As a leader, you can't really change that.

 

[Matt]

That's not exactly true.

As someone who manages people, I've tons of experiences where no matter what kind of culture you try to build among your team (and believe me, I always put a big emphasis on team building), sometimes people just do stupid **** that you can't help.

I mean, yeah, you set an example, you try to consistently send the right message, but at the same time, they're grown adults, and they're responsible for their own conduct. And sometimes people just do dumb things. As a leader, you can't really change that.

I agree, but I do think to a certain extent leadership helps. Perhaps it doesn't fix everything every time, but it does help. I truly think you would see a considerable difference if you had a coach like Bill Cowher, who emphasizes personal discipline above all else, managing Suh rather than the guy who picks fights with other coaches. I'm not saying it would be a 100 % fix all and that Suh would never get penalized or fined, but I do think that it would make a difference.

 

[CConn]

I agree, but I do think to a certain extent leadership helps. Perhaps it doesn't fix everything every time, but it does help. I truly think you would see a considerable difference if you had a coach like Bill Cowher, who emphasizes personal discipline above all else, managing Suh rather than the guy who picks fights with other coaches. I'm not saying it would be a 100 % fix all and that Suh would never get penalized or fined, but I do think that it would make a difference.

I agree. At the same time though, I really don't think we've seen enough of Jim Schwartz to say he can't be that kind of coach sooner or later.

I mean, everyone on the Lions would be better if Cowher was the coach. He's one of the best coaches in recent memory. It's not really a fair comparison for Schwartz - who, much like Suh - is still relatively new in position.

 

[Matt]

True, but head coach isn't exactly a position that allows for on the job training. If he is this emotionally immature and allows that mentality to spread to his team, that implies to me that he wasn't ready to take the reigns of a team.

I liken it to Josh McDaniels. The kid was a brilliant coordinator in New England. He could've been a great head coach. But he wasn't ready. His immaturity led to the train wreck that was his tenure in Denver. Now I am not saying that Schwartz is nearly as immature as McDaniels was but I think his handling of Suh (and other issues) do show a degree of immaturity that implies to me that he wasn't ready to wear the big boy pants.

 

[BlackLantern]

I say Suh should have torn his head off and **** down his neck.....if youre gonna be an *******, be an *******

just say you played hard and pie face a reporter, pay your fine, and do it again next week

 

[Hound55]

True, but head coach isn't exactly a position that allows for on the job training. If he is this emotionally immature and allows that mentality to spread to his team, that implies to me that he wasn't ready to take the reigns of a team.

I liken it to Josh McDaniels. The kid was a brilliant coordinator in New England. He could've been a great head coach. But he wasn't ready. His immaturity led to the train wreck that was his tenure in Denver. Now I am not saying that Schwartz is nearly as immature as McDaniels was but I think his handling of Suh (and other issues) do show a degree of immaturity that implies to me that he wasn't ready to wear the big boy pants.

I'd have said a Pitino or Calipari making the jump to the NBA... but then I like my basketball comparisons.

McDaniels is a good 'un though.